Bali with Kids: Complete Guide for a Bali Family Holiday

Looking for a destination for your next family trip? Bali is an excellent choice. We loved our family holiday in Bali – so much so that we just returned for the fourth time. From beautiful beaches to the lush rice terraces around Ubud to the culture to the purpose built attractions in Bali for kids, there is plenty here to entertain the whole family.

Bali family holidays are so easy. There is a crazy amount of Bali family accommodation which can make stays very easy. The Balinese are very welcoming of kids, and there is plenty of western style food for fussier palates. There is also plenty of Bali information for kids – such as this guide – to help make your visit a success.

The other big plus is that Bali is incredibly good value. For a few dollars you can easily find something to eat, have a beer or a foot massage. The Bali family resorts are also great value. If you need any more reasons why you should take a Bali holiday with kids, check out my article which will give you 4 more reasons.

Below, you will find our complete guide to Bali family holidays from our Bali holiday blog including everything you need to know to make your Bali family vacation a success!

When to go

Bali has two seasons – a wet and a dry. The dry season runs April – September and is the best time to visit weather wise. The wet season is October – March. In the wet season, there is generally just a huge downpour every day. The first time we visited in the wet season, we generally saw this at night time. The second time, most afternoons and many evenings were wet, so the amount of rain and how much it can affect your plans is variable. There are far more bugs around in the wet season and this can be annoying.

The busiest times in Bali are during the Australian school holidays, especially December and January, and the July/August holiday period in the Northern hemisphere. This means the absolute best time to visit is around April – June and September. However even at busy times, there is plenty of room for everyone and there is plenty to do in Bali for families at any time of year.

Getting to Bali

Bali is a popular destination and as such there are plenty of flights into Bali, particularly from Australia and the rest of South East Asia. People coming from further afield may need to connect somewhere else in Asia, such as in Singapore or Malaysia.

Watching a plane take off from Jimbaran

If you are on a budget, there are some great budget airline choices from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore or the rest of Indonesia. Check out Air Asia or Jetstar to get started.

On departure you will need to pay a departure tax which is currently 200,000 rupiah (about AUD$20) for all passengers on all international flights. This means kids as well. There are ATMs at the airport if you are running low on rupiah.

Visas

At the moment, most nationalities no longer need a visa to visit Indonesia – and this now includes Australians! Yay!

Bali family accommodation – Finding the best family accommodation

Family accommodation in Bali is plentiful. You will have no problems finding something perfect for your needs. There are three main options you will probably look at – Bali family resorts, family hotels in Bali and family villas.

Enjoying the pool at the Samabe

Hotels tend to be the cheaper option with rooms and not much else (although resorts do sometimes call themselves hotels). Family resorts in Bali tend to have multiple pools and restaurants, kids club, gym and many other facilities and may include activities and the option of an all inclusive stay (which means that meals, drinks and other items may be included).

Family villas in Bali can be an excellent option for bali holidays with kids. This generally means an entire house with a private yard which often includes a private pool. Some even come with staff.

These are an excellent option but keep in mind that the pools are rarely fenced and many of the villas are open air meaning there may be no wall between your living area and your pool. This may not be a concern with older kids but can cause headaches for those of us with younger kids. Thankfully, you can hire a pool fence – check out services such as this. Or you can just do what we did and hire a villa that is fully enclosed so that the kids can’t accidentally end up in the pool.

For bookings, we recommend using Booking.com. It has great prices and gives the option to pay later or free cancellation at many hotels.

Where to stay in Bali

The following are our pick for the best family hotels in Bali along with resorts and villas from our personal experiences, online reviews and from people we know.

I have split them up into the different areas in Bali to help you break down where to stay in Bali that will best suit your needs. Bali is a big place and traffic can make movement slow so it’s a good idea to pick a base where you will want to spend the majority of your time. Below are all the major areas as well as the best place to stay in Bali for each.

Legian/Kuta

Kuta is infamous in Australia as the party capital of Bali and that is what you will find here. This is where most of the action takes part in Bali. It is also where much of the budget accommodation choices live as well as some of the biggest hotels. If you want something a little bit quieter but still close to the action, neighbouring Legian can be a good choice.

Hard Rock Hotel

The Hard Rock Hotel is located in the centre of everything Kuta has to offer with the beach just across the road. It is easy to access shops, restaurants, bars everything.

This is a great pick of the Bali family hotels. It has everything you need in Bali with children including multiple pools, a kids’ water playground, water slides, a kids club and kids activities. There are also a range of room types.

This resort in Legian is a top choice if you want something budget friendly in a prime location by the beach. It has all the facilities of top Bali accommodation for families with multiple pools, restaurants, bars, a playground, kids playroom and many other facilities.

The location is fabulous as the beach is right in front and there are many restaurants, massage places, shops etc nearby. The location and facilities have been so good that we have chosen to stay here twice.

There are hotel rooms and apartments on offer making this a good family accommodation in Bali choice especially at these cheap prices. However, the rooms are old and in need of refurbishment. They are fine, but do not expect the snazzy rooms you will find in the other options mentioned here.

The Bali Dynasty Resort is one of the top Bali family hotels. This is because it has just amazing facilities for kids.

On top of multiple pools, there is a 56 metre water slide. Even more exciting for little ones is the water playground and water fun zone. There is also a kids club with an outdoor playground. There are lots of room types including ones made especially for families.

The Flora Kuta is a best place to stay in Bali with kids for people looking for a budget option. The Flora is in a handy location in Kuta and only a 15 minute walk to the beach and not far from Waterbom. It has everything you need for your Bali holiday.

The hotel is home to a pool, kids’ pool, pool bar, restaurant and a cafe. Everything is on the simple side and is aged, but it is a great value option as it’s usually very cheap.

The rooms are simple but nice and connecting rooms are available for families as well as triple room options.

Seminyak

Street in Seminyak

Seminyak is an increasingly popular beach area to stay just up the road from Legian. It is known for being a bit fancier (and pricier) and is a great option if you are looking for the best family villas in Bali – many of these are here.

It’s a nice area. We found everything a fair bit nicer than in Legian with less hassle. Food is generally more expensive but we found it better quality and better value too. We are big fans of Seminyak.

W Retreat and Spa Bali

This fabulous beach front Bali family accommodation offers a range of options from massive suites to pool villas.

For a family, it is hard to look past the beautiful one or two bedroom pool villas. With one of these, you will have your own oasis in Seminyak with a private pool.

The resort also has other amazing pools, including a kids pool, very cool restaurants and bars and organised kids activities.

Nusa Dua

Beach at Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua

This area is to the south of the airport and a good choice for people who want a nice beach and want to be away from the craziness of Kuta and the surrounding areas.

There are two separate parts – the gated resort area and Tanjung Benoa. If you want to be away from it all pick the former. If you like to still have local shops and restaurants around you, pick the latter.

Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Bali

We had a fabulous time at this beach front resort located in Tanjung Benoa, the more local part of Nusa Dua. This resort has it all with a huge lagoon pool including kids pool, a great kids club with kids program, water sports, daily activities, tennis courts, an amazing spa and many restaurants and bars. You can be as active or inactive as you like.

One of the best parts about this resort is the all inclusive option – you can choose whether to include all your drinks (including alcohol), food and activities in your room price. This also includes room service which made things so easy for us with our kids.

The other reason why this is one of the best family resorts in Bali is because kids under 5 are free! At the majority of places we needed to pay 50% extra to have our 4 year old in the room with us, but this is not the case here.

If you don’t want the all inclusive option, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, cheap massage parlours and cheap laundry places on the road outside of the resort. It is easy to get to other parts of Bali, especially to places like the great seafood in Jimbaran or Pirates Bay.

If luxury is important to you when looking at Bali resorts for kids then you can’t go wrong with the Samabe Bali Suites and Villas. This top class resort is located in Nusa Dua at the top of a cliff with a private beach.

Everything at the resort is just stunning and made for relaxation and recreation. The grounds are beautiful. The infinity pool is fantastic and the kids club, which starts for kids from 2 years old, is great.

The suites and villas are incredibly spacious with views and everything you need for a great stay. The staff are unbelievable and with a butler who will unpack your bags and do your laundry, Bali family holidays do not come easier than this.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is at the top of the list of the best family accommodation in Bali. This 5 star option is luxurious and has some great options for families.

There are stunning villas and suites available for up to 6 adults and some include private pools. Guestrooms can be child proofed on request.

There is an extensive “Ritz Kids” activity program which includes involvement in their sea turtle preservation program, a night safari (which involves a tent being set up in your room for the kids) and a mermain program! There is an extra cost for many of these activities.

There’s also a variety of facilities like a pool, a day spa and 6 dining outlets.

Sanur

Sanur is a great pick for people who want a slower paced version of the Kuta/Legian/Seminyak while being closer to the rest of Bali than when in Nusa Dua. The other reason why Sanur is a popular destination in Bali for families is because the beach is protected by a reef meaning that the water is calm and shallow – making it the perfect spot in Bali for kids.

Sanur

Griya Santrian Beach Resort

Griya Santrian Beach Resort is a popular choice for family holidays in Bali thanks to its beachfront location and three beautiful pools including a kids pool.

There are a few different room types all immaculate which are big enough for small families.

There is a restaurant with a kids menu and room service is available. The location is great and you can easily walk to many other eating options as well as shops, bars, etc.

Ubud

Ubud is located inland and known for being the cultural heart of Bali. It’s a beautiful town with fabulous food, attractions and is surrounded by rice terraces. It’s a great place to chill and just hang out as a family with a completely different vibe to the beach towns. It is our favourite place for a family holiday in Bali. You can read more about our time in Ubud here.

Our street in Ubud

Sri Bungalows Ubud

Sri Bungalows Ubud is a fantastic place to stay in Ubud if you are looking for something budget friendly that is centrally located within an easy walk of shops and restaurants.

The location is also picturesque as it is neighbouring rice terraces. The gardens at this hotel are beautiful as is the pool which is right beside the terraces.

There are a range of room types. For families, there is also the option of a two storey room with enough room for 6 people.

If you are looking for luxury and something special for your family holidays to Bali, this could be it!

The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah is one of the best resorts in Bali. There are only 20 villas spread out over beautiful gardens. All villas feature outdoor terraces and rates include such extras as breakfasts, afternoon tea, some laundry, minibar and sunset cocktails. Some villas also feature private pools – perfect for people looking for the best family villas in Bali.

Additionally, the resort features a 28 metre pool. There are private butlers as well as a top restaurant.

Lovina

Lovina is a beach area on the North coast of Bali and a great choice if you want a more low key destination that has less tourists, is less busy but there are still some nice things to do. The beaches are nice here but they are black sand beaches, and unfortunately there is some trash (although nowhere near as bad as we saw in the Kuta/Legian area). Lovina is better value than the southern beach areas.

From here, diving and snorkeling trips are popular as well as dolphin viewing. It’s also very close to the mountains in Bali with many nice places to visit. It takes about 3 hours from the airport/southern beach areas to get to Lovina.

One of the beaches in Lovina

The Lovina

This is the best resort in Lovina and comes at a bargain price.

It is located right by Lovina Beach and full of facilities. There is a big pool, kids pool, day spa, water activities and many other options here. There are also restaurants and a free bicycle and buggy service.

The best part, however, is the massive range of suites and villas available which are perfect for families. These range up to 4 bedrooms big and come with kitchens, living areas etc. You can also stay in a villa with your own pool.

Tailor Made Holidays to Bali

If you are nervous about the idea of exploring Bali by yourself or wish to make everything super easy, then a tailor made holiday to Bali could be for you. Shanti Travel can organise a trip perfect for your family with many Bali experts that can customise a holiday to your needs. It can be as active or relaxing as you like. Bali experts will plan your trip and you will have 24/7 assistance available so you don’t have to worry about anything. If you want to explore more of Indonesia, they can also help you with that.

Eating in Bali

It is not hard to find food in Bali. In all the main tourist areas (including those mentioned above), you will have no problem finding a variety of food including Western types. In fact, I have found it harder to find a decent range of Indonesian food than I have to eat food similar to home. This means that if you have children who are fussy eaters then there is no need to worry. You will be able to find something for them.

If you are eating locally, nasi goreng (fried rice) and mee goreng (fried noodle), can be the best option for fussy kids. These are usually quite inoffensive, just be sure to ask for them not spicey if your kids can not handle heat. Sate sticks can be a good option too.

As you might imagine, seafood is a very popular option and found on most menus. Being vegetarian can be tough in the beach areas, although in my experience restaurants are happy for you to order something without the meat (although you are still going to have things like fish sauce in many Indonesian dishes). As a general rule, the food is very good and at a great price.

Ubud is a fabulous area for food, especially for healthy choices as well as vegan and vegetarians. Many restaurants cater to vegans and vegetarians and there is a raw food push here as well. The food we ate here was well and truly above what we ate on the rest of the island.

If you like seafood, head to Jimbaran. The seafood shacks that line the beach here are unbelievable. They will bbq your selections in special sauces (you can chose non spicey). I recommend getting a set meal with a whole lot of options included.

Jimbaran seafood shacks

Family friendly restaurants

Here are some personal recommendations:

Kuta – TJ’s Mexican Bar and Restaurant – A range of food and great atmosphere.Legian – Zanzibar – right by the beach. Seafood options especially good.Seminyak – Warung Italia – great spot for an Italian fix.Seminyak – Pantarei Bali – Great Greek food with highchairs and fish ponds. The staff are great with kids and our kids were given bread to feed to the fish on arrival.Nusa Dua – Crystal Blue Ocean Grill at the Samabe – Great food and service as well as being ocean front and sitting on platforms above a big fish pond.Jimbaran – Pandan Sari – delicious seafood right on the beach. Get the set meal.Sanur – Beach Cafe – right on the beachUbud – Lemonade – Mexican dishes with some Asian ones thrown in. Super fresh and great for vegetarians.Lovina – Spice Beach Club – A variety of food options in a prime spot right on the beach. There is also a pool that patrons can use and they have pool and beach towels. There are toys for the kids and lounge chairs by the water. This is a great spot for a meal or just to hang out.

Spice Beach Club in Lovina

Top 42 things to do in Bali with kids

If you are wondering what to do in Bali with kids, don’t worry! You will not be short of kid friendly activities. There are a crazy amount of things to do with kids in Bali. The following is a list of Bali attractions for kids along with the best kids’ activities in Bali.

Bali is a relatively small place so all these attractions can be visited from the areas mentioned above in a half or full day trip.

2. Be pirates for a day at Pirates Bay Bali

Pirates Bay Bali is a restaurant and big pirate boat with plenty of things for small and big kids to do.

3. Discover Bali’s culture and animals at Bali Safari Marine Park

There are many things to do here from an elephant back safari to cultural shows to a water park and fun zone. Good for all ages. We recommend buying discounted tickets here to save you money.

Elephant Safari Park

4. Ride an elephant at Elephant Safari Park

This is another spot where you can ride an elephant as well as learn more about these magnificent creatures located just outside of Ubud.

5. Get up close to monkeys at Sacred Monkey Forest

This is a nature reserve and temple complex in Ubud packed full of monkeys. It is great for getting up close with these creatures. However, I do not recommend it for younger kids as the monkeys kept attacking our preschoolers.

Sacred Monkey Forest

6. Visit Lollypop Playland

This indoor playground and water park is located in Seminyak and just brilliant for younger kids with everything you might expect and then extras such as large trampolines and rock climbing.

7. Go jet skiing

If your family loves the water, this can be lots of fun even with little kids. There are lots of places to do this although Nusa Dua is probably the easiest.

8. Visit an active volcano at Gunung Agung

There are viewing platforms where you can get an awesome view of this active volcano in Bali.

9. Go white water rafting

White water rafting is a great option for families with older kids and teenagers. Bali White Water Rafting is a well regarded company.

10. Have a manicure/pedicure/massage

These are readily available and cheap. My daughter has loved getting a manicure and pedicure since the age of 2, so don’t think you need to rule it out because your kids are young.

11. See the animals at Bali Zoo

If you are looking for Bali kids’ activities that involve animals, here’s a good one. They also run a night zoo program.

12. Visit the Elephant Cave in Goa Gajah

This temple and cave is in a beautiful setting outside of Ubud.

13. Play paintball at Bali Paintball Arena

This one is perfect for families with teenagers that want some action.

14. Swim with sharks

Take a 3 hour tour to feed and swim with sharks as well as visit a turtle conservation centre. The money raised goes towards helping their conservation efforts.

15. Cook up a storm at a Bali cooking class.

Kids generally love cooking so a cooking class can be a great thing to do in Bali with family. They are readily available and our 4 year old loved it.

16. Learn to surf

17. Have a family adventure at Green Camp

Green Camp offers 3 and 5 day camp options full of experiences exploring nature. Kids must be at least 5 years old.

18. Check out butterflies

Butterflies are always a hit with young kids and you can check them out at the Bali Butterfly House.

19. Play on the beach

There are many beaches in Bali and it is not hard to find one. Sanur is particularly recommended for a family friendly beach.

Our private beach in Nusa Dua

20. Make a splash at New Kuta Green Park

This is another good water park with a spectacular kids water playground. There are also other attractions here such as a flying fox and paintball.

21. Take advantage of a kids club

If you are staying in a resort with a kids club – use it! Don’t feel bad. Your kids will no doubt love it and it will give you some lovely alone time. If there isn’t one at your hotel, check out Cubby House Kids’ Club.

22. Relax at Banjar Hot Springs

This great spot is located in the jungle surrounded by beautiful gardens close to Lovina. There are multiple pools as well as other facilities such as a restaurant.

23. Go snorkeling

There are many places that are good for a family snorkeling trip in Bali. Blue Lagoon is particularly recommended because of its calm waters, sandy bottom and coral reef.

24. Eat a seafood feast at Jimbaran

There is something magical about eating on the beach here as the sun sets. It is just perfect for kids since they can run and play while you wait.

Jimbaran seafood feast

25. Visit Bali Bird Park

This is a well maintained, small bird park which receives excellent reviews. Try to time your visit for a show or demonstration. You can buy discounted tickets here.

26. Visit a spice farm

This can be lots of fun for kids who get to see and learn more about spices and also often coffee beans.

27. Play soccer on the beach

Plenty of makeshift soccer games start on the beach in the evening. Join a local game or start your own.

28. Learn a new skill at Pondok Pekak Library and Learning Center

This library and learning center has kids and adults books as well as classes where you can learn many different aspects of Balinese art and cultural as well as take Indonesian lessons.

29. Visit a temple

There are temples everywhere in Bali, so it is not hard to find one. You will need to cover your knees and shoulders.

There are plenty of temples to visit in Bali

30. Get an adrenalin rush at Bali Treetop Adventure Park

At this park you can zipline through the trees with circuits designed from 4 years old. You can also visit the Bali Botanic Gardens while you are here.

31. Visit Circus Waterpark Bali

This water park is lot of fun. It is not as extensive as Waterbom but does avoid some of the crowds.

32. Visit Peekaboo Cafe in Sanur

33. Take a glass bottom boat ride

Many options exist for this and they are not hard to find. Visit a tour agency or just walking along a beach will get you offers in some places.

34. Go to a Balinese dance show

There are many of these, especially in Ubud. Your resort may put one on as well (we saw one at the Grand Mirage). Our kids loved watching these.

35. Take a rice paddy walk

If you are staying around Ubud, this is very easy. You can pick up a brochure with a hiking path or just set out. You can walk as little or much as you want and still have great views.

36. Go fishing

There are lots of tours where you can go fishing or in smaller towns, you may be able to connect with a local small boat to take you out cheaply and easily.

37. Go shopping

There are a crazy amount of shops in Bali. We found giving the kids a small amount of money to pick their own souvenirs was lots of fun. For older kids, you could teach them the art of bartering.

38. Go on a dolphin tour

Who doesn’t like seeing dolphins? Lovina is a great spot to find one of these.

39. Hang out in your hotel pool

This might seem like you are not taking advantage of your time in Bali but with kids it’s important to have some down time. There are some beautiful hotel pools in Bali. We found pool bars to be quite a hit for our family as well.

Pool time was always great family time

40. Hang out at the Spice Beach Club in Lovina

The Spice Beach Club on Lovina Beach is an excellent place to spend a lazy few hours with kids. It’s a great restaurant and bar but what really makes it is the location and facilities. There’s a pool to use, free towel use and some toys for kids. All of this is right on the beach. It’s a great way to relax while the kids are very occupied.

41. Visit the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands, located between Bali and Lombok, are just beautiful. There are many things to do here with kids including a turtle sanctuary, bird park, many beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, open air cinema, the list goes on!

They are just a short fast boat trip from Bali. However, once you add in the drives to the ferries, this isn’t really a practical day trip so I recommend staying at least overnight and ideally a week. You can read our full guide here.

42. Visit Lombok

OK so Lombok is a different island and it’s a bit cheeky for me to list it here. However, we just love Lombok and we think you will enjoy it too! Lombok is very easy to get to from Bali so it is easy to combine a trip to Bali with a side trip to Lombok. Read our full guide to Lombok here.

Christmas in Bali

Some Christmas highlights

We spent a fabulous Christmas in Bali in 2015. We chose Bali because we thought that there would be enough Australian tourists that we would be able to get a good lunch like we would have at home – this was very much the case.

We were surprised how Christmassy everything was. We didn’t feel like we missed out at all by having Christmas in Bali. We chose to spend it in Seminyak as we figured that the more touristy areas would have more going on. We ate lunch at Padma Resort which was superb. So much wonderful food – just like we would have at home but more – as well as good entertainment, Santa and clowns to entertain the kids. We were very happy.

Doctor in Bali

Unfortunately, on our latest visit we needed to visit a doctor as our daughter had ear pain.

We went to the Bali Clinic in Seminyak which was quick, easy and professional. For 750,000 rupiah, we saw a doctor quickly and came out with three medications.

Getting Around Bali

It is easy to get around Bali. It is hard to walk very far without someone asking if you need a taxi or transport. There are several main options: hire a car, hire a car and drive, take a taxi or use a shuttle bus. There are also some public bus equivalents (called bemos) which we found useful for getting to Denpasar but they generally do not suit tourists needs.

Catching a bemo to Denpasar

Hiring a car

You can hire your own car to drive around easily and cheaply. However, it does not cost much more to hire a driver as well and given the road conditions in Bali and the crazy drivers, I would not take this option for a short term stay. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident, you can expect to be held responsible as a foreign driver even if it was not your fault.

Hiring a car and driver

This is a cheap and easy option and you should have no problems finding someone. They tend to hang around hotels and tourist areas. You can then plan your own itinerary and go where you want.

Taxis

In the main beach areas there are no shortage of taxis. Look out for Bluebird taxis which are the cheapest. They should use their meter which will be better value than bargaining for a price with someone else. This is the best option for quick trips.

Shuttle buses

There are shuttle buses (usually vans) that will take you between the main tourist areas. These don’t generally work out to be good value for a family and you are usually better off taking a taxi or hiring a driver and car.

Car seats

Car seats for your kids are not readily available. You will need to bring one from home or rent one for your stay and attach it yourself if this is important to you.

Getting from the airport

From the airport, you will need to pay for a prepaid taxi if you do not have a pick up arranged from your hotel. This is quick and easy although it is more expensive than what you would pay for taxis elsewhere.

Budget

Bali can be as cheap or expensive as you would like. There is a huge variety in costs for everything. For a family of 4, we found about AUD$100 a day on top of accommodation cost is a good budget to do some activities, eat well and have the occasional massage/manicure/pedicure. You could certainly spent a lot more or less than this.

What to pack for Bali

A packing list for Bali is quite straight forward, primarily because Bali always has warm – hot weather. There is no need to bring winter woolies to Bali regardless of the time of year you travel.

If you are wondering what to wear in Bali then most things are fine. Casual wear is what you will see most other tourists wearing. For kids, lightweight clothes that give good coverage for sun protection are the best idea.

There can also be a lot of mosquitoes in Bali, particularly in the wet season, so it is a good idea to keep your kids covered up at times like dusk when the mosquitoes are particularly active. Dengue fever is present at Bali and it is worth remembering that mosquitoes that carry this virus are active at all times of day and night.

There are lots of cheap laundries in Bali, so you can easily get your clothes laundered regularly.

Bali packing list

3-5 lightweight, hot weather outfits for all members of the family

hats

bathers/swim suits/togs/bikinis/whatever you call them

beach towels (if staying at a hotel where these are not supplied)

basic toiletries (these are available on arrival for very cheap so you don’t need to bring many from home)

nightwear

suncream

sunglasses

mosquito repellent

mosquito net*

thongs/flip flops/jandels/whatever you want to call them

sturdy shoes if you want to go hiking

warmer clothes for the plane – jacket and trousers

passports

credit cards and some cash just in case

travel insurance details

panadol/kids panadol

bandaids

* Not essential but if you want to be extra careful of mosquitoes this could be a good idea. Our daughter was bitten during the night time in excellent accommodation so it happens regardless of where you stay.

Mosquito protection

As mentioned above, there can be a lot of mosquitoes in Bali and dengue fever is present. For this reason, I recommend taking some good repellent. If you are like us and don’t want to use DEET on young children, you can try some safer alternatives or a lot of parents have reported success using Simba Natural Mosquito Repellent Sticker on their kids.

Items for babies and toddlers

Deciding what things to pack for Bali for little ones can be very tough – as it can quickly get out of control! The following is our thoughts about particular baby and toddler great.

It is also worth considering hiring some baby equipment once you get to Bali. This is very easy to do and you can hire basically anything you could need – strollers, high chairs, cots, car seats, monitors, safety gates, bouncers – anything at all really. Bali Bubs is one such service that allows you to order online and have it waiting for you on arrival.

The toughest question we usually face with baby gear is whether we should take a stroller or carrier…

Carriers

Carriers are so useful

I always say yes to the carrier – we particularly love travelling with the Ergobaby Carrier. It is so much easier than a stroller in places such as Bali where there is not nice footpaths.

Strollers

However, a stroller can also come in handy, especially if you are visiting attractions such as the Bali Zoo, Bali Safari and Marine Park etc as these have walk ways which are fine with a stroller. For longer outings such as this, I find a stroller so much easier than a carrier. It gets hot carrying around a baby/toddler. Plus, they can usually nap more easily in a stroller.

Most hotels and resorts will be able to supply baby cots. However, keep in mind that this can never be guaranteed and often do not conform to safety regulations that we might be used to. For this reason, we always travelled with our own travel cot. These are lightweight, easy to fold away cots that can fit in your luggage.

As mentioned above, these won’t be readily available in Bali, you will need to take your own or hire one while here. Alternatively, you can travel without one and just hold your children. If you take this option, I personally find it easier to keep babies in the carrier while in cars to keep them close and under control.

Nappies/diapers

You should have no problems buying regular nappies in Bali. They are readily available. I do recommend taking swim nappies with you.

Formula and bottles

These are also available. However, I recommend bringing your own formula from home. This way your baby has the formula they are used to and there is no stress about trying to find a new formula that your child is happy with. I also like to take a formula dispenser for when we are out and about. It makes things a lot easier.

Mosquito nets

At the very least, I recommend a mosquito net for your stroller so your baby is safe when you are out. The best ones to buy will vary based on your stroller. There are many options here.

Many travel cots already include mosquito netting. If not, or if you are going to use a hotel cot, you can buy an option such as this.

Don’t get stressed out when packing for Bali. If you forget anything, most things are available and at a better price than you would pay at home.

For more information about Bali, check out our individual articles on:

Also consider reading our full guides to the Gili Islands and Lombok – it is definitely worth considering visiting these nearby islands as well!

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85 Comments

Sharon what a round up! I love the mosquito add/information because out of all the SE Asian countries I’ve visited Bali seems to be A1 in terms of the skeeters. You’ll seem them everywhere. Sometimes we’re living in the middle of nowhere so the skeeter explosion makes perfect sense but in other Bali spots they still run thick even if more folks are around. Kids should have a repellent and definitely a mosquito net over their strollers and yep, a canopy for kids and adults is suggested almost anywhere on the island.

Heading back for our 6th trip to Bali on Feb 2 so we’re picking up more repellent before we head over.

Hi Ryan! Yes, I was surprised how many there were on my most recent visit and that I had never heard it mentioned before. My poor daughter was bitten all over, even under her clothes. It is not good! Enjoy your trip, it’s a great place 🙂

Bali is a great place to visit as a family, particularly if you can get there inexpensively (from Australia). Our favorites were the elephant reserve (and rides), biking from Ubud down to the coast, and the countryside. Good information about car seats–I remember the locals pretty much carrying babies on the handlebars of their scooters.

I would forego the elephant rides. If you look into it at all, and you really should before you do it or recommend it on your website, you will quickly find that the process of breaking elephants to be ridden is an incredibly abusive and traumatic process. Elephants are highly intelligent creatures, and they are wild animals, not tourist attractions. Even establishments that claim to be rescues are not always what they seem, and any place that allows you to ride the elephants is a bad place. Like puppy mills here in the states, the more you support such establishments with your money, the higher the demand for the creatures will be.

We always see locals spear fishing in the reef of our favourite beaches. Our kids love seeing the guys out snorkeling and then coming out of the water with their catch (fish, octopus…). A great time with the kids!

August will be a great time to go and awesome for picking Seminyak. There are a few activities for kids, consider checking out the Bali Safari and Marine Park Also Ubud Rice Terraces or Bali Zoo. If you are into temples it’s worth a quick look at Tanah Lot and not so far from Seminyak.

We are taking our boys to Bali for the first time in 6weeks your information provided is amazing and very reassuring. .. we are uncertain how much spending money to take for a 10day holiday for a family of 4, what would you recommend please?

It is so variable Bianca. You could get away with barely anything or you could easily spend a lot. It depends on your tastes and where you are going. For example, we found Legian/Kuta area so expensive last time compared to other parts of Bali. If you are staying in luxury hotels, you can also spend a lot. I know families that have done if for AUD$50 a day, others probably spend more like $400! I personally would want a budget $100-200 a day, but then I do like to throw in a treat hotel or two too 🙂

hey there, so i am going to bali next week (nov. 3rd) do u know of any places to hire or buy a mosquito net in bal?i were staying in kuta also did u hire any child equipment while there such as stroller or car seat? we have a crazy 2 year old were taking with us. any advice?

Hi Bailey – exciting times ahead! I am not sure about mosquito nets in Bali. I know you can hire baby equipment from http://www.balibubs.com/

My best advice is just to keep your child as well rested as possible! I find things generally only unravel when my kids aren’t getting enough sleep. Otherwise, Bali is a fairly easy place to be with kids. The locals are very welcoming of children, there is a wide range of food and taxis are cheap – I do recommend taking them when possible with kids. Good luck and enjoy!

I love Bali, what a concise roundup, so much excellent information! I took Doxy in Bali and had terrible sunburn since I didn’t realise it caused sensitivity so that’s something to be mindful of as well.

Bali is an amazing city to visit with a friendly people, great shopping. Don’t get panic when the prices are in millions 🙂 . I love Bali food specially freshly caught seafood. my favorite place to dine is also Jimbaran. a place one should not missed to visit

Thanks for all your great tips. We are ravelling to Bali for the first time this July with our children aged 8 months, 5 and 7 year old. I wanted to know about hospitals if you know much about them have ever needed to use one?.. Just in case!

Hi Cat! Yay exciting trip planned!! I am not sure about hospitals sorry. We did not need to use one. I did see recommendations for BIMC Bali when I was looking for a doctor for our daughter but I don’t really know anything about it.

I definitely agree with you saying that safety (Especially when traveling with Kids) is the utmost priority. It is also true that most of Bali’s swimming pool are not fenced but this is something home owners can rent (we occasionally rent fences upon request for our guests).

Some other options are also available, i.e. alarm or even bracelets that would ring when kids enter the water unattended. We use this latest option at Villa Lumia : http://www.villalumiabali.com

Thanks for the great article – very useful! We have travelled quite bit but this is our first time travelling to Bali in 2 weeks with a 4.5yr and 11month old. I am concerned about Bali belly – did you get it? If so what should I bring from home to prepare? I am aware about the no water, no ice etc but have read that someone who stayed in a 5 star resort got sick from a salad. Any tips? Also did you get any vaccinations (Hep A and Typhoid?) And what sort of mosquito repellent do you recommend? I get the largest bites when bitten 🙁 Thank you!

Hi Caera! I have never had Bali belly and been 4 times – we just spent a month in Indonesia actually and no one had a problem anywhere. Tourist places will generally use water that isn’t a problem for everything anyway, but it doesn’t hurt to avoid salads, ice, water etc – we don’t however, but we also couldn’t have spent the last year living in Asia if we were going to overly worry so we stopped thinking about it much – no problems at all ever with the kids actually. Best tip I think is to stick to places that have lots of people – people won’t keep going back if it’s making them ill. A lot of people avoid local places, but stalls can actually be the best way to see what’s happening and ensuring everything is clean as you can see it!

We have all had hep A and typhoid shots. I dont think you can have either with an 11 month old – although Z must have had hep A shot at 11.5 months old, so maybe possible but I know typhoid is 2. I think they are good things to have especially if you are planning on doing more travel in future. Hep A lasts 10-20 years so especially good value 🙂

I usually get Aeroguard in Australia plus whatever natural alternative without DEET I can find. I try to avoid putting DEET ones on kids where possible (and myself now I’m pregnant). Natural ones have had mixed success. We have rarely had to use either though actually. I know when we were in Bali this time last year they were really bad though! If you are there in dry season, you probably won’t have a problem.

I hope this helps and good luck for your holiday! Feel free to ask more questions 🙂

Hi Sharon, Wow this is awesome, so much info. Ok first time to Bali(husband does not want to go at all). Two boys aged 10,12, love swimming, love eating, exploring. Love nice accom but can put up with average accom. We would love a place with heaps of pools, water slides a bonus. Your own private pool is awesome also. We are going June 25 for 10 days is this a good time and is 10 days ok? I suppose we want accom that is opp the beach and in walking distance to markets, shops etc. Sorry to rave on but we need some really honest advice(especially my husband, i need him to come around because Bali is so cheap compared to Thailand i’m guessing) cheers Jodie

June is a great time to go to Bali and 10 days will be a nice break. The first thing to decide is probably which area – although budget will play a part in that as the popular parts like Legian and Kuta will cost more. If you do want to be round lots of places to eat, shop etc then these parts and Seminyak are the way to go. I don’t know a hotel off the top of my head that meets those requirements. I recommend taking a look at Agoda and doing a search only for places with a pool then looking at the map view and checking out the map view for places by the beach and then checking those out further.

I found accommodation a better deal in Bali than beach areas in Thailand but I think other costs can be similar – depending on beach area though.

Bali is a wonderful travel destination with plenty of things to do for almost all kinds of travelers…I don’t have kids, so did not try the things to do with kids in Bali when I visited. But I am impressed reading your complete guide to family travel to Bali…..top quality work…keep up the good work 🙂

Bali is a great destination if traveling with kids. We did a family stay with a Swedish family last year and it went over expectation. They also documented their stay with a handheld camera, if anyone fancy watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m2L_D3FC_I

Oh, another tip. Just try Google searching for accommodation in Bali. Agoda carries a lot but there are also some sweet places not found on their platform.

Hi Sharon, Fantastic Job… Reading this makes me wanna go on holiday to Bali and i already live here ha ha. I am wondering how can we get our SuperHero Factory (http://www.shfbali.com) onto your list of ‘Things for kids to do in Bali”? We are getting great reviews and i believe it would be of value for your site too. Thanks and Blessings

What an amazing article, you did an excellent job at putting together all these pieces of info! We will be visiting Bali in August with our 1 y and 10mo daughter and are particularly concerned about food and vaccines. What food did you rely on when in Bali for children? My daughter only eats pureed veggies and meat. I am concerned about the food not being prepared properly there. Don’t want to spend all day in the resort either. Do you think bottled baby food is available? Also, I hear that the typhoid vaccine would be necessary, but this cannot be administered to children under 2.

Hi Ioana! There is definitely baby food. I have not looked specifically in Bali so I am not sure what range is like. In Asia, I usually found it was only plain pureed vegies or fruit with nowhere near the choices we have in Australia. We have been to Bali many times and have never got food poisoning so I would not worry. I’d be trying to get your daughter to eat a wider range of food before you go – at least rice and noodles.

We have had the typhoid vaccine once kids are two. The risks are low and it hasn’t bothered us to take younger kids. Obviously you need to make your own decisions about this though.

Hi Sharon, Thanks for all the good advice! We are planning to do outfit at big travel from the Netherlands to Bali comingFebruary with our 4 years old triplets, but we are a bit concern on the rainy season. Would have any advice and for when in the rainy season you were there?

We were there the last two December/January periods – so right in the middle of the rainy season. It wasn’t a big deal at all. The rain was usually short and because it’s hot anyway, it didn’t really stop us doing all that much. It did mean more mosquitoes though so I was extra paranoid about them but we were fine. My only advice was to maybe be flexible on when you do activities where rain might be an issue so you can work it out on the day depending on the weather. Have fun!

Kuta is great for family holiday to me only when it’s off season. The crows during their high season is just too much for me. But overall, Kuta is still one of most loved local destination to visit in Bali. I recommend it esp if you love the beach and of course (ahhhh!) surfing

Bali is really beautiful place to visit before you come to Bali you have to know all about Bali like where to stay in Bali, which place is good for staying with family, what are tourist place of Bali.. There are many Hotels and resorts in Bali, which can full fill your all needs. This Blog has really helped full I appreciate with this post It covers everything about Bali.

Could you tell me more about Vegan food options in Ubud and generally in Indonesia? I am not Vegan, but my daughter in allergic (anaphylaic chocs) to eggs and anything containing milk ingredients.

We are a Canadian family, and find it almost impossible to eat at restaurants at home (not too many vegans in Canada). We are therefor not too sure about travelling far from home. Up to now (she is 3 years old), we only managed a two weeks trip to Mexico, renting fully equiped condos and cooking every meal ourselves.

Hi Marie Veve. That must be scary to have to worry about that. There are many vegan options in Ubud. I am vegetarian and my mum is vegan and we did not have any problems there. However, I did find it quite tricky in the rest of Bali and ended up eating prawns at time as I was so hungry without a good protein source. In saying that, I am lazy and don’t research beforehand and we usually end up eating wherever is easy. I am sure in the more touristy spots there would be some good options. I don’t think dairy would be too much of an issue as many Asian people are lactose intolerant and it does not tend to be in their food. A lot of things have egg, but I think you would be ok if you stuck to more touristy places where people speak good english and understand. I was eating meat when I went to other places in Indonesia and I am not sure, but I think you would find it tough outside of Bali and the Gili Islands just because it may be hard to have people who you are sure understand what you are after good enough. Often in SE Asia, they did not really understand what being a vegetarian meant.

We are planning on going to Bali (our first time) from 18.-29. December with our 23 month old daughter and there are so many places that we don’t know where to start…we would prefer a beach holiday with day tours in between…which beaches would be best to stay with our daughter? I was thinking of Sanur and Nusa Dua – what do you think? Is Seminyak also a place worth staying with our little one? Thanks in advance!

Nasu Dua definitely has the best beaches but it is also more removed from places and traffic can be really slow going in Bali which can be very frustrating with a 23 month old. Seminyak is better for doing things, but the beach is nowhere near as nice especially in December when it has been covered in trash the last two years when we have visited at that time. Sanur could be a good compromise between the two. Otherwise I would try to work out whether it’s better to be near more stuff to do or a better beach.

We (my partner and 6 months old) are going over the new years 28-2nd and staying in westin, nusa dua. we were initially thinking to take our pram along with us but great to find the rental agency. Its better to use rental for 5 days then carry our pram there.. Just wondered there is no mozzie net provided with the pram on that rental agency website, so i guess we will bring it with us.

any good places to eat near nusa dua, also we were planning a day trips to visit temples. As other places will be too tiring for us and bub.

Hi Abby! Exciting. We spent last New Years Eve in Lombok so very close by! I have everything I can recommend and think of in the article. Definitely go to Jimbaran to eat seafood on the beach one (or every!) night. It is not far from Nusa Dua. Enjoy!

I just saw your post now and it brings back good memories ! We also went to Lembongan with the kids and really liked it ! I wished we could have stayed longer. Our favorite activity was by far the snorkeling with the mantarays organized by Kadek and her husband. http://mantasnorkelingtriplembongan.com/ Kids will love it ! Best,

Hi there Very useful post! We are travelling in April with 2 little ones, one 8 and one 1. So far we are going to Ubud and Sideman. Then I have 4 nights left and need to decide between Amed and Sanur (I think I’ve narrowed it down to those two). I have a feeling that Sanur might be better to get a resort style place where both kids can be catered for without getting bored over 4 days? What would you do? Regards

Thanks for another comprehensive post! Just booked The Ritz Carlton for 6 days with Ritz / SPG / Marriot points, Ritz Carlton Mandapa (Ubud) for 6 nights and finally meeting up with friends at the Novotel Bali for 4 nights these school holidays. Looking forward to checking out the Green kids club (associated with Bali’s Green school) at the Mandapa. Oh how I love Bali! Also flying Gardua business class on the way over as it wasn’t more, unfortunately jet star had a special coming home 😜

Thank you for the great article! I am still in search of where to stay… We definitely want somewhere quiet, calm beautiful beaches, and to stay in a two bed room villa with my 4 year old included. What do you think of the west/north part of Bali? Have you been to Pemuteran area? We definitely would like to hit ubud, water park, snorkeling, glass bottom boat, and seeing elephants.. we will be there for two weeks and would be interested in staying at two different areas, both by the beaches. Any suggestions?

Hey! We stayed in Lovina for a couple of weeks last time we went on the north coast. There are black sand beaches there and we liked it. It’s a lot more low key than the south but it could be great in combination with it. I have not been to the Pemuteran area.

Ubud is my favourite area but not good if you want to be near the beach. If you are planning north coast and want to do things like water park as well, you are probably best combining it with some time in the southern beach area somewhere like Seminyak. It’s not going to be quiet at all but traffic is bad in Bali and it takes awhile to get around so you need to be somewhat central to attractions you want to visit.

Looking into going to Bali with my partner & 3 boys (3, 8 & 10) next year, and finding the information/places to stay process quite overwhelming. The boys learn Indonesian at school and I think they will be quite inspired and intrigued by Bali. I know I will – especially seeing it through their eyes with them.

Ooh My God!!! What a great artical. I think it took too much time to write this artical btu the information you give about Bali is very fruitful to other people who want to visit Bali.After reading this artical i also want to go there to enjoy my holidays.

We have been to Bali so many times and love it! Best food and great cheap accommodation . Alot cheaper than travelling in Australia. Some good place we went to were the ATV tours, about 30 minutes out of Seminyak https://www.quadbikingbali.com and we also loved Sea Vu PLay – https://www.seavuplaybali.com/ great restaurant right in the heart of Seminyak with a good sports bar.